Dame de Coeur 2018: Notre-Dame Cathedral Like You’ve Never Seen Before

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Dame de Coeur 2018: Notre-Dame Cathedral Like You’ve Never Seen Before
In November 2017, Notre Dame had another monumental event in its long history: An incredible illumination presentation emblazoned on the front façade. Bruno Seillier, who has created and directed similar light shows in other historic sites including Invalides and Avignon, mounted his biggest presentation yet at Notre Dame. A smashing success, Seillier was invited again in 2018 to create a new show and the theme this year is the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. We went to see the show opening night on October 18 and it was spectacular. Historic commentary and rousing music on loudspeakers accompanied the illuminations and the crowd gasped in awe as the church changed color and pattern from moment to moment. After 25 minutes, the show on the outside ended and in a dramatic stroke, the middle doors parted slowly in a haze of white smoke. Entering the cathedral, the seats were removed, making way for the crowds to view the walls, vaulted ceilings, nave, choir, columns, organ, and the ceilings bathed in royal blue and golden light. The 25-minute show features 17 sound and light scenes plus eight projectors placed in the Notre-Dame plaza and 80 inside the cathedral. Story synopsis: On a battlefield in 1917 we are in the dark, about to attend a meeting between a young French nurse and a dying American soldier. At the twilight of his life, he tells her he regrets he never could visit Notre Dame. Through a historical, and mystical dialogue, these two souls find each other and discover the Notre-Dame mystery that’ll be their “Dame de Coeur”. Dame de le Coeur plays two times a night, 7:30PM and 9:30PM, until October 25. Entry is free but a donation to the cathedral is requested. Click this link to order tickets.
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Lead photo credit : Dame de Coeur light show at Notre Dame. Photo: Richard Nahem

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Richard Nahem is the creator of the popular blog www.eyepreferparis.com, with three weekly posts about art, history, fashion, food, shopping, architecture and restaurant reviews. He also writes about Paris and European travel and his articles and photos have appeared in The Guardian, Romantic Paris, Passport Magazine, Travel Agent Central, Luxury Travel Advisor and Bonjour Paris. He recently edited the National Geographic "Walking Tours of Paris" Guidebook. Richard also leads private insider tours of Paris, www.eyepreferparistours.com, showing clients the Paris they never usually see on their own. With over 440 five star reviews on Tripadvisor, his specialty tours include Le Marais, Saint Germain des Pres, Chocolate and Pastry Tours, Flea Market Tours, Gourmet Food Tours, and Cooking Classes.

Comments

  • Joyce Lytton
    2018-11-06 06:50:34
    Joyce Lytton
    I cannot thank you enough for sharing this information. I purchased two tickets and my sister and I got to see this amazing light show during our visit to Paris. I never would’ve known about it had it not been for Bonjour Paris. It was something I will never forget.

    REPLY

  • Thomas Hearon
    2018-10-29 22:51:51
    Thomas Hearon
    Dame de le Coeur displayed until October 25. I received it via internet on October 19. Not very timely, in fact, very disappointing. Had it been presented much earlier, then those of us who adore Notre Dame would have had an opportunity to travel to Paris to see it first-hand. Again not timely and very disappointing!! T. Hearon

    REPLY

  • Lanora Mueller
    2018-10-26 06:47:49
    Lanora Mueller
    Richard, thank so much for reporting on this show! I am in Paris and somehow didn't hear about it until too light to see it in person.

    REPLY